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In the course of a recent trip to Tokyo, former American leader Trump and the Japanese recently elected Premier Sanae Takaichi shared warm compliments and pledged to strengthen the already robust two-way ties.

Key Points from the Meeting

Trump praised Takaichi as a ‘great’ figure and applauded her on assuming the role of Japan's inaugural woman prime minister. During their discussions at the capital's Akasaka Palace, the former president voiced confidence that she would become one of the ‘outstanding leaders’ of the country.

The prime minister, identified as a protégée of former Prime Minister Abe, praised Trump's initiatives to address global conflicts and according to sources pledged to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Trade and Security Deals

The two nations announced a list of joint projects in sectors such as energy, AI, and critical minerals. Japanese companies are considering investments of up to $400bn in the United States.

Additionally, Tokyo had earlier committed $550bn in strategic American projects, loans, and assurances as part of an arrangement to secure relief from Trump's tariffs.

Such actions are seen as possibly easing any upcoming demands from the US side for Tokyo to boost its defense expenditure. Takaichi addressed this by promising to accelerate proposals to increase military budget to two percent of gross domestic product.

Other US Politics Updates

• Trump did not rule out to a another term, although it is legally impossible. He stated he ‘would love’ to run again but won't exploit a VP loophole.
• A Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responded to his comments, saying, “No way in hell we’re going to let that happen.”
• Gavin Newsom indicated he will decide on a 2028 presidential run after the upcoming elections.
• The leader of America’s largest government employees union called for an end to the government shutdown, which is currently the second-longest in American history.
• Republican leader Johnson blasted opposition figure Hakeem Jeffries for endorsing a contender in the New York City mayor’s race.
• The governor of Indiana Braun declared a legislative meeting to redraw congressional districts.
• Opposition leaders in several regions are considering redistricting in response to GOP efforts.

“Everything I know from Shinzo and others, you will be one of the great prime ministers,” Donald Trump told Takaichi. “I’d also like to congratulate you on being the first woman prime minister. It’s a big deal,” he added.

This meeting highlights the continuing importance of the American-Japanese alliance and paves the way for further collaboration on economic, defense, and diplomatic fronts.